Azim Premji : Adapt change or be the change....

A very inspiring, interesting and thought provoking speech by Azim Premji of Wipro at the 37th Annual Convocation 2002, IIM, Ahmedabad.A small gist of his drivers that would change the world:

Be alert for the first signs of change

Change descends on every one equally; it is just that some realize it faster.Some changes are sudden but many others are gradual.While sudden changes get attention because they are dramatic, it is the gradual changes that are ignored till it is too late.

Anticipate change even when things are going right

Guard against complacency all the time.Complacency makes you blind to the early signals from the environment that something is going wrong.

Always look at the opportunities that change represents

For every problem that change represents, there is an opportunity lurking in disguise somewhere. It is up to you to spot it before someone else does.

Do not allow routines to become chains

While routines are useful, do not let them enslave you. Deliberately break out of them from time to time.

Realize that fear of the unknown is natural

Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to manage fear without getting paralyzed. Feel the fear, but move on regardless.

Keep renewing yourself

You have to constantly learn about people and how to interact effectively with them. In the world of tomorrow, only those individuals and organizations will succeed who have mastered the art of rapid and on-going learning.

Surround yourself with people who are open to change

Spend time with people who have a "can-do" approach.Reasonable optimism can be an amazing force multiplier.

Play to win..!!

Playing to win would help you to concentrate your energy on what you can influence instead of getting bogged down with the worry of what you cannot change. Do your best and leave the rest.

Respect yourself. The world will reward you on your successes

If you succeed 90 per cent of the time, you are doing fine. If you are succeeding all the time, you should ask yourself if you are taking enough risks. If you do not take enough risks, you may also be losing out on many opportunities.

Never change: your core values

In spite of all the change around you, decide upon what you will never change: your core values.

Succeeding in a changing world is beyond just surviving

All of us have a responsibility to utilize our potential for making our nation a better place for others, who may not be as well endowed as us, or as fortunate in having the opportunities that we have got. Let us do our bit, because doing one good deed can have multiple benefits not only for us but also for many others.

You can have a look at the complete presentation below: